Course terms and conditions

Registration and payment

By registering for a course, you agree to the general (course) terms and conditions and commit to paying the full course fee.

If you are registering for a course in fee group 1 or 2, you must upload a valid discount document in the registration form. The course administration will verify its validity. If the document is found to be invalid, you will be asked to pay the full amount.

Parnassos has an arrangement with several universities in the Netherlands. If you are a student at one of these universities, you are eligible for fee group 1. Check the list of participating universities here. If your university is not listed, unfortunately, you are not eligible for this discount.

Registrations are processed in the order they are received, per course, until the maximum number of participants is reached.

Age requirement

Please note: our courses are intended for participants aged 18 and older. Students of all ages are welcome.

Language of instruction

Parnassos offers courses in both Dutch and English. For courses taught in Dutch, English-speaking participants are very welcome, provided they have sufficient understanding of Dutch to follow the course.

Cancellation and refund

In case of force majeure, a course may be canceled, continued online, or offered in an adapted form. Participants will be informed about such situations as soon as possible.

Participants can cancel their registration up to 30 days before the course start date and will receive a full refund of the course fee. Please contact the course administration to arrange this. Note: if you paid via Revolut, refunds are not possible.

Within 30 days before the course start date, refunds are only possible if someone from the waiting list takes your place or if you find a replacement yourself. Please contact the course administration for assistance. Note: we can only help find a replacement if we have the time.

Refunds are also possible in the following cases:

  • Rejection at an audition for one of the productions.
  • The course cannot proceed due to organizational reasons.
  • You are unable to participate due to a long-term injury or illness. In this case, the costs of missed lessons can be reimbursed. A statement or referral from a medical specialist, or other appropriate proof, is required.

Parnassos reserves the right to cancel or postpone a course if there are insufficient registrations. Note: if you paid via Revolut, refunds are not possible. Requests for refunds must be submitted no later than 30 days after the situation occurs.

Contact

Comments, questions, compliments, and complaints about courses can be emailed to the course administration at info.parnassos@uu.nl. Parnassos is not responsible for direct correspondence between you and the instructor.

Practical information

No rights can be derived from any (typing) errors in the announced activities and prices. Due to the early preparation of the program, information regarding class day, time, or instructor may differ from what has been published.

In case of class cancellations, the course will be made up at the end of the course, possibly on a different day and time. Participants should be aware that a course may extend by several weeks. This is indicated in the schedule as ‘Reserve’.

If fewer participants register than the minimum required, the course may continue with fewer lesson hours for the same price, after consultation.

If a participant cannot attend a lesson, they must notify the reception by email at receptie.parnassos@uu.nl or by phone at 030-2538448.

If a course has entry requirements (as stated on the website) and the instructor determines that a participant does not meet these requirements, Parnassos reserves the right to unenroll the participant.

Liability and Code of Conduct

Participation in the courses is entirely at your own risk.

Participants are required to observe the general codes of conduct of Utrecht University, as well as the house rules of Parnassos. Parnassos reserves the right to deny access to the course to participants who, in our opinion, do not adhere to these rules.

Personal data and privacy

You can update your personal information through the course administration.

During courses or activities, a Parnassos photographer may be present to take photos for publication purposes (such as flyers, posters, or the website). You will be informed about this in advance. If you do not want to be photographed, please inform the photographer on the spot. If you wish to raise an objection afterwards, send an email to privacy.cwc@uu.nl.

Liability in case of damage or theft

  • Parnassos Cultural Center is not liable for damage incurred by visitors/renters or third parties while using the premises, unless such damage is caused intentionally or through gross negligence on the part of Parnassos.
  • Visitors/renters are liable for all damage to the space and any equipment, as well as any damage incurred by third parties during the period in which they use the space.
  • Parnassos is not liable for damage to or loss of property belonging to visitors/renters or their guests within the building. Always lock the rooms when they are unattended.
  • The renter is fully liable for damage to Parnassos’s instruments and equipment when they are used or transported outside the building.

House Rules Parnassos

  • The building is open from Monday to Friday from 09:30 AM to 11:30 PM, on Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM. During these regular opening hours, all public areas such as corridors and halls are accessible at all times for other users of the building.
  • Parnassos uses video surveillance to protect your and our property.
  • Parnassos is not liable for damage and/or theft of personal belongings.
  • The reception is always the first point of contact for information.
  • Visitors causing disturbances will be addressed. You may be asked to leave the building.
  • In the event of (repeated) disturbances, vandalism, misuse of facilities, and/or theft, access to Parnassos may be denied.
  • The rooms are normally locked. Keys to the rooms are obtained from the reception. It will be recorded who has taken the key.
  • In the interest of safety, all access routes and emergency exits must be kept clear.
  • Cables must not be loose on the floor but should be securely fastened.
  • It is prohibited to enter the building with rollerblades, bicycles (incl. folding bikes), etc.
  • A general smoking ban applies in the building.
  • Animals are not allowed, except for recognized guide/helper dogs.
  • If a visitor/tenant wishes to place signage in the building, this should be done in consultation with the reception.
  • During an evacuation, leave the building immediately. Follow the instructions of emergency personnel and/or evacuation staff.
  • It is not allowed to bring and/or consume open food in the classrooms, halls, theater, and rehearsal spaces, etc. Eating is allowed – if available and in consultation with the receptionist and/or bar staff – in the stage area of the bar, in the entrance hall, or in the public courtyard.

Rental and Cancellation Terms and Conditions

  • Small or one-time reservations (less than €100) are paid by card at the counter.
  • Taking an option is possible when the request is made at least 14 days before the reservation date. For this, the following applies: If another party is interested in the same room, the option will expire within 48 hours. The option holder will receive an email to convert the option into a final reservation in a timely manner.
  • It is not allowed to rent rooms for external courses or workshops.
  • The regular rooms are equipped with a piano, chairs, and a sound system. The multifunctional spaces are equipped with tables and chairs, a projector with a VGA connection, and a TV screen with an HDMI connection. You are responsible for further setup.
  • To comply with fire safety regulations and maintain our usage permit, it is not allowed to place furniture from the rooms in the hallway.
  • When leaving the room, you must stack chairs and place them against the wall. This also applies if they were not stacked when entering the room. You are expected to leave the space tidy. We will charge a cleaning fee of €50 for negligence.
  • The tenant must vacate the room at the agreed-upon time. The key(s) must be returned to the reception at the reserved end time.
  • Smoking, eating, cooking, or drinking are not allowed in the rooms.
  • Percussion, drums, and bagpipes are not allowed in the rooms, nor is amplified music, except for singing.
  • Between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM, loading or unloading is not allowed at the request of the police and neighbors.
  • The tenant is responsible for the placement and connection of materials such as a projector, a small sound system, a flip chart, or musical instruments. Reserved materials must be picked up and returned by the tenant at the reception or from a designated location. The materials will not be set up and/or connected. We will charge an extra €10 for each device/instrument that remains. For chest organs and harpsichords, €25.
  • All rentals with commercial interests for one or more people are charged at the full rate (no discount is applied). In this case, the student percentage does not apply.
  • Confirmation will be sent by email and will show the room(s), price, and time. Only emails with this content can be considered confirmation.
  • Parnassos is located in an old, monumental building with interconnected wooden floors and half-brick partition walls. This means that tenants and users of the building may experience noise from each other. If the tenant has an activity where other sounds in the building are undesirable, the tenant can contact the management department to discuss the best option.
  • The pianos in the rooms are tuned according to a fixed schedule and at least four times a year. The tenant can request an extra tuning if they desire a recently tuned and pure piano. The costs are at least €80, depending on the timing of the tuning.
  • For a rental, the General Terms and Conditions (see above) and house rules of Parnassos apply.

Additional Bar Rental Terms

  • The bar must be rented for a minimum of three consecutive hours, unless it follows regular opening hours.
  • Closing time is no later than 2:00 a.m.
  • The bar can accommodate 120 people (65 seating places).
  • Bar staff only serve drinks at the bar, so there is no table service. Staff cannot be used as an extension of your own organization.
  • Glassware must not leave the bar (i.e., it should not be taken to the rooms).
  • Strict sound limitations apply in the bar: Amplified bands or DJ sets are not allowed unless the DJ set uses our amplification and limiter (82 dB).
  • When using the kitchen, the tenant must leave everything clean within the rental time. For catering, leftovers must be cleaned up or disposed of.
  • The furniture has a fixed arrangement. The tenant may change it at will and partly move it to another room (by appointment). At the end of the reservation, the tenant must return the furniture to its original fixed location.
  • In case of negligence, Parnassos may charge cleaning fees.
  • Own snacks are allowed but must be cleaned up by the tenant. Staff should not be inconvenienced.
  • In consultation with the bar, a self-selected caterer may deliver meals in the bar. You or the caterer must provide plates and cutlery.
  • Parnassos is not liable for damage or loss of your property.
  • Glassware from the bar may not be taken. We will charge for glasses that are found in the building after a rental or are missing.

Additional Theater Hall Rental Terms

  • Parnassos’ technical team must be informed of the content of the performance or event before the reservation date. Contact techniek.parnassos@uu.nl well before the reservation date. You can also contact this email address for special effects.
  • A Parnassos technician must always be present during the technical setup and the activity.
  • When using technical facilities, you must follow the instructions or guidance of the technician.
  • The tenant is responsible for ticket sales and public announcements through flyers or posters. Parnassos does not provide additional promotion services.
  • The use of open fire, fog, steam, and smoke is not allowed.
  • You may only use impregnated (fire-resistant) fabrics.
  • Food and beverages are prohibited in the hall.
  • Confetti, glitter, fake snow, and the like are not allowed.
  • Decor must be manageable and must not scratch the floor
  • Emergency exits must always be accessible.
  • Lifting according to ARBO standards is allowed.
  • Always use personal protective equipment.
  • Internet access is available. You can log in for free on the UU-visitor network.
  • The room must be left tidy; otherwise, we will charge cleaning fees.

Cancellation Terms and Conditions

Cancellation can only be done via email: verhuur.parnassos@uu.nl. Cancellation by phone is not valid.

Upon cancellation:Tenant pays:
2 weeks or more in advanceno cost
Between 1 and 2 weeks in advance50% of the rental cost
1 week or less in advance100% of the rental cost

Additional Bar Cancellation Terms

Upon cancellation:Tenant pays:
2 weeks or more in advanceno cost
Less than 2 weeks in advance50% of the rent or turnover guarantee
Less than one week in advance100% of the rent or turnover guarantee

Additional Theater Hall Technical Cancellation Terms

Upon cancellation:Tenant pays:
More than 1 month in advanceno cost
2 weeks to 1 month in advance50% of the estimated man-hours
48 hours to 2 weeks in advance75% of the estimated man-hours
48 hours or less in advance100% of the estimated man-hours

You can download the rental and cancellation terms here.

Terms and Conditions for Performances, Events and Live Shows

For all visitors to the theater, bar, events and live performances in the Parnassos Cultural Center building, the General Visitors’ Terms and Conditions (VSCD) (unfortunately this document is only available in Dutch) apply, along with the following conditions (where applicable).

Arrive on Time
The time on your ticket is the start time of the event/ performance. Please ensure you are present at least 5 minutes before the start of the event/ performance for ticket checks and seating. Latecomers may not be admitted to the event/ performance. Often, you can still take your seat in the auditorium after the intermission. There will be no refund of admission fees.

Food and Beverages
Eating and drinking are not allowed in the theater hall.

Audio and Video Recordings
Audio and video recordings may be made during the event/ performance. If this is the case, we will inform you before the start of the event/ performance.

Mobile Phones
Please turn off your mobile phone and other telecommunication devices during the event/ performance.

Age Restrictions for Children
Parnassos Cultural Center reserves the right to deny entry to young children for certain event/ performances.

Refunds
If the event/ performance is canceled, you will receive a refund for the purchased tickets. In all other cases, there will be no refunds.

Parnassos Pass Terms and Conditions

General

Parnassos is the cultural center of Utrecht University, focused on the amateur practice of music, dance, theater, visual arts, and photography. (Former) students and employees of Utrecht University and HKU, as well as other interested parties, can make use of Parnassos’ practice rooms. Parnassos is located at Kruisstraat 201 in Utrecht.

Opening Hours
Monday to Friday: 09:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM – 05:30 PM
Parnassos is closed on public holidays, during the weeks around Christmas and New Year, and in the summer vacation (July and August). Additionally, Parnassos may have different opening hours or be closed for specific periods.

Practice Passes
There are two types of passes: the Monthly Pass and the Annual Pass. All passes provide access to the practice rooms (halls and piano cabins) at Parnassos.

Tarieven

Rate 1: Students from UU/HU/HKU/UvH
(+ a number of other universities)
Monthly Pass: 25 euros
Annual Pass: 80 euros
Rate 2: Employees and PhD students from UU/HU/HKU/UvH/UMC and UU alumni
with a Friend’s Pass
Monthly Pass: 37.50 euros
Annual Pass: 120 euros
Rate 3: OthersMonthly Pass: 50 euros
Annual Pass: 160 euros

Discount

View the list of participating universities for which we offer discounts under rate 1.

To be eligible for a discounted rate, you must possess:

  • Rate 1: Proof of enrollment at Utrecht University / HU / HKU / UvH
  • Rate 2: Proof of employment at UU / HU / HKU / UMC / UvH, last year’s student card, or a Friend’s Pass from the UU Alumni Fund (as listed above).

Parnassos Pass Usage Terms

For registration as a cardholder, a recent passport photo is required.
In case of loss of the pass, you can request a duplicate. The cost for this is €5.00.
The pass is personal and must be presented upon request by a staff member.
The cardholder should report changes in contact information (address/email/phone) to Parnassos.

The pass is valid from the moment of purchase for either a month or a year, depending on the chosen variant. In principle, it is not possible to suspend the pass during its validity period and/or receive a refund.

Access to the practice rooms

  • Practice rooms cannot be reserved. For possible room rentals, please contact the management department. Information on options and rates can be obtained on the website and at the reception.
  • After presenting your pass, the receptionist will provide you with the key to an available room.
  • The assigned practice room is available for a minimum of one hour.
  • If all rooms are occupied, the cardholder who has been practicing the longest must make way for a cardholder who has not yet played, after a minimum of 1 hour of practice. The receptionist will make this decision. Cardholders who have to make way for another cardholder have a waiting period of 30 minutes before they are entitled to a new room.
  • If you have to wait for a vacated room, you will be placed on the waiting list. Cardholders who have not yet played on that day will be given priority.
  • If you are placed on the waiting list and leave the building, all rights are forfeited. Upon returning, you must check in again and will be placed at the bottom of the waiting list.

Rules for the use of practice rooms

  • Leave the room as indicated in the instructions provided. If someone else has been negligent in this regard, please report it immediately to the reception.
  • Cardholders are not entitled to use the sound systems in the practice rooms. If desired, you can borrow a portable CD player at the reception.
  • Cardholders are not allowed to use the grand pianos. Grand pianos may only be used when renting the room. For possible room rentals, please contact the management department.
  • It is not allowed to tamper with the (pedals of) pianos or set them up as a so-called ‘prepared piano.’
  • Eating, drinking, or smoking is not allowed in the practice room, and placing food or drinks on the piano is prohibited.
  • Any cleaning costs due to excessive contamination will be charged to the cardholder, at the discretion of the Business and Creative Director of Parnassos or their deputy.
  • Changing practice rooms without consulting the receptionist is not allowed.
  • Taking keys outside the building is not allowed.
  • Creating a disturbance for other users of the building is not allowed.
  • Placing luggage or instrument cases on the instruments is not allowed.
  • The grand pianos in the large practice rooms are anchored and cannot be moved.
  • Percussion, drums, amplified music, or bagpipes are not allowed in the rooms. If there is an amplifier in the provided room, it may not be used. Self-brought amplification is also not allowed.
  • After use, lock the practice room, return the key to the reception, and retrieve your pass.
  • Costs incurred due to the loss of a key will be reimbursed by the cardholder.

Rules regarding guests

  • The cardholder may bring a maximum of 1 guest (without a pass) to the practice room. Guests must pay €2.50 at the reception.
  • The cardholder may bring 1 or more other cardholders to the practice room.
  • Bringing groups is only allowed if at least half of the group are cardholders, and the remaining group members pay the specified guest fees.

Teaching / Commercial Interests

  • It is not allowed for cardholders to teach or receive lessons, whether paid or unpaid.
  • If it becomes evident that the cardholder is pursuing commercial interests, Parnassos will charge fees according to the highest rental rate as listed in Parnassos’ room rental price list.
  • In case of a disagreement regarding the presence of commercial interests, the Business and Creative Director of Parnassos or their substitute will make the decision.

Confiscation of the Card

  • The cardholder is required to adhere to these terms and conditions. The Business and Creative Director of Parnassos or their substitute has the authority to confiscate the card in case of violations of the above articles.
  • In case of a violation of these conditions, for minor violations, the receptionist will punch a hole in the card. On the third hole, the card will be confiscated and invalidated. Parnassos reserves the right to confiscate the card at any time for serious violations, regardless of the number of holes in the card.

Other Conditions

In cases not covered by these terms and conditions, the Business and Creative Director of Parnassos or their substitute will make the decision.